Georgia has climbed to the sixth spot nationally in terms of its undocumented immigrant population, as highlighted in a recent report by the Migration Policy Institute. The report reveals a significant 45% increase in the state’s unauthorized residents since 2018, with an estimated half a million undocumented immigrants currently residing in Georgia.

This surge underscores Georgia’s heavy dependence on immigrant labor, particularly in its vital agricultural industry. Eduardo Delgado, who serves as the civic and advocacy coordinator for Migrant Equity Southeast, emphasized the crucial role immigrants play in sustaining this sector.

“Georgia thrives as an agricultural state, and truthfully, the industry would struggle without the diligent contributions of immigrants,” Delgado stated. “Virtually every crop grown here is nurtured by the hands of immigrant workers.”

Eduardo Delgado, civic and advocacy coordinator for Migrant Equity Southeast, said Georgia’s agricultural sector in particular depends on immigrant workers.

“Georgia is an agricultural state. The agriculture sector would not be operating, to be honest with you, without the hardworking immigrants of Georgia,” Delgado said. “Every crop that’s grown in this state is tended to by immigrants.”

Following release of the report, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to increase resources in Atlanta to address the growth in the undocumented population and “protect citizens.”

“Look, if they’re here undocumented or illegally, they’ve already broken the law and they need to follow the law,” Carter said. “We all know that we need some of these workers… but the most important thing here is to make sure that Georgians are safe.”

Delgado pushed back on characterizations of undocumented immigrants as a threat, saying the families he works with are contributing to the state’s economy and communities.

“These folks are going in day to day to work to build homes for people,” he said. “They’re not criminals. They’re workers. They’re human beings.”

ICE agents have recently been spotted in multiple parts of the state, including the Coastal Empire.

Federal officials have not said whether Georgia should expect an increased enforcement surge similar to those seen in other states.